An Occasion to Smile

Before I get to today's card details, I have just a couple of things to share. First, Verve's fantastic Beach Party Release was last night - such a fun time at the release party last night, and the best part is that all those gorgeous images and sentiments you saw last week are now available in the store. Save $18 when you purchase the full Beach Party Collection (all five new sets and three Plain Janes) - that's like getting a whole set free! If you stop by the store, you'll also find 40% savings on the April featured set, Bountiful Backgrounds, and 15% savings on select sets for Dads and grads! You'll find all the savings in the "On SALE!" category.

Second, the Sketch For You To Try sisters are at it today, with their amazing artistry. I may have a sketch card to share in the next few days, but for today, I'm sitting out. I hope you'll have a look at the sketch and all the other designers' samples, and then give it a go for yourself!

Okay, on to today's card. This is one I've been sitting on for a while, so I'll try my best to remember all the details. The sentiment comes from Cuckoo by Hero Arts. The chipboard birdcage and bird are by May Arts. Papers are from Pink Paislee's Queen Bee 6x6 pad. I've also incorporated one of the Queen Bee Flip Notes at the top and some Queen Bee Ribbon Pleats along the bottom. The ecru trim is May Arts oops, I think it's Maya Road, actually. Ribbons are a mixture of Stampin' Up and Offray, and the button is SU. The chipboard bird is covered in dp, sanded, inked with distress inks, and adorned with a Kaiser black pearl for an eye. For the bird cage, I first painted it with gesso, then gave it a coating of Ranger's Picket Fence crackle paint. Here's a closer look at that:

I just stumbled on your blog tonight and I've looked through TONS of your cards...I must say I'm quite impressed! You are very talented and I can see myself learning a lot from your designs! Very nice, elegant work!